Postdoctoral Fellow - Advanced EOR Formulation and Interface Physics in Nanoporous Rocks (Shale)

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 58,500 - 71,500; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow to lead laboratory investigations into advanced EOR formulation. This in-person position is aimed at examining fluid-fluid interface optimization in shale systems and requires a PhD in a relevant field.

The ideal candidate should possess extensive hands-on experience in high-pressure, high-temperature laboratory environments and have a strong publication record. The position offers a salary starting at $65,000 based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• PhD must have been obtained within 3 years of date of hire.
• Experience with CO2 and shale oil and gas, high salinity brine.
• Expertise in surfactant chemistry and colloidal stability.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct HPHT injection experiments.
• Quantify rock wettability and interfacial tension.
• Document workflows and publish findings.

Skills

Hands-on experience in HPHT laboratory environment

Technical writing skills

Evaluate fluid-fluid and fluid-rock properties

Education

PhD in related discipline

Tools

PVT and thermodynamic modeling software

Job description

Job Posting Title – Postdoctoral Fellow – Advanced EOR Formulation and Interface Physics in Nanoporous Rocks (Shale)

Hiring Department: Bureau of Economic Geology

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Aug 01, 2026

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Jul 31, 2027

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS – J.J. Pickle Research Campus, North Austin, Texas

General Notes

This is a one-year, in-person position at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin.

Purpose

The primary objective of this role is to lead innovative laboratory investigations into fluid-fluid/fluid-rock interface optimization within unconventional reservoir rocks. The role balances core DOE deliverables on huff-and-puff mechanisms with exploratory research into advanced chemical systems (surfactants, co-solvents, foam conformance) and complex suspensions (nanoparticles/aqueous stability) designed to unlock uncontacted oil in shale systems.

Responsibilities

• Experimental Execution: Design and conduct advanced high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) injection and microscale huff-and-puff experiments to evaluate CO2, gas, and chemical EOR performance.
• Interface & Fluid Characterization: Quantify rock wettability and alterations, interfacial tension (IFT), and the aqueous stability/rheology of complex surfactant-nanoparticle suspensions.
• Advanced EOR Development: Formulate, test, and optimize multi-component injectants, including CO2-co-solvent blends, surfactant co-injections, and foam systems for mobility and conformance control.
• Collaboration & Documentation: Document experimental workflows, author high-impact peer-reviewed publications, deliver technical presentations, and collaborate closely with numerical modeling team members to upscale laboratory findings.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geological Engineering/Geosciences, Material Science, Interfacial Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Extensive hands-on experience in an HPHT laboratory environment, specifically dealing with CO2 and shale oil and gas, high salinity brine, high-pressure pumps, and fluid handling.
• Proven expertise in evaluating fluid-fluid and fluid-rock properties (wettability, IFT, surfactant chemistry, or colloidal stability).
• Excellent technical writing skills with a verified track record of publication in top-tier journals.

PhD must have been obtained within 3 years from date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• PVT & Thermodynamic Modeling: Integrate laboratory observations with phase behavior modeling to characterize complex fluid mixtures and multi-phase behavior.
• Hands-on proficiency with PVT and thermodynamic phase behavior software (e.g., WinProp, PVTi) to match experimental fluid data.
• Demonstrated experience working with nanoparticles, colloidal suspensions, or advanced materials (specifically managing aqueous stability and transport in porous media).
• Experience with foam generation and foam rheology in porous media.

Salary

$65,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around chemicals
• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work to meet deadlines
• Occasional travel intrastate, interstate, and international
• Occasional fieldwork as necessary

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form and present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration for this position.